BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Samford University scored five runs in both the second and third inning and went on to defeat Appalachian State University baseball, 16-10, on Friday at J.L. Griffin Field.

Samford (30-21, 13-9 SoCon) plated 12 runs in the first three innings to take a huge lead in the slugfest. Both teams combined for 30 hits, 15 apiece,  and 26 runs on the evening. Seven of Samford's 15 hits were extra base hits, while all Appalachian (16-30, 9-12) hits were singles.  

The Bulldogs scored in each of the first five innings, taking the early 16-6 lead before Appalachian staged a mini comeback.

With a variety of hits to the left side of the field, the Mountaineers was able to close the 10-run gap to six in the sixth inning. Alex Leach got things started with a single to left field. Zach Hummel reached on a fielder's choice, while Leach was able to slide into second base before the throw. Tyler Stroup brought Leach home with a single to left field. Preston Troutman singled up the middle that loaded the bases and Michael Pierson singled to left center to score two. The fourth run scored when the pitcher balked.

Sean Mason pitched 2.1 innings but was credited with the loss after giving up 10 runs. Dallas DeVrieze relieved him in the third but gave up two runs of his own. Caleb McCann pitched the Mountaineers final five innings, giving up four runs but only one was earned.

Stroup went 4-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs, raising his batting average over  .300 to .311. Jaylin Davis and Dillon Dobson both had two hits and two RBIs, while Pierson accounted for two RBIs.

Six different Bulldogs had two hits while three of them accounted for three RBIs. Brandon Powell led Samford with two hits in which both were homeruns and three RBIs on the evening.

Alex Ledford picked up the win for the Bulldogs, pitching 5.1 innings and was credited with all of Appalachian's runs; only nine were earned. Patrick Curry retired 10 of the last 11 batters of the game to earn his second save of the season.

The Mountaineers will look to combine the total package, hitting and pitching, tomorrow as they put Tyler Moore on the mound at the J.L. Griffin Field at 3 p.m. ET.